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If you've got the skills, it can certainly pay to be a security researcher. One expert recently earned more than $100,000 after discovering a major security flaw in Microsoft's Windows 8.1 operating system. The award is part of Microsoft's "bug ... bounty" program, which the Redmond, Washington-based firm unveiled earlier this year. Google and Mozilla also employ similar programs , which allow major tech firms to save money by effectively outsourcing their security tasks to independent experts. "Mitigation Bypass Bounty" Includes $100,000 Prize The $100,000 award is part of Microsoft's ... (view more)

Microsoft's Windows Store has hit a new plateau: 50,000 applications. It's an impressive start for the Windows Store, though there's a long way to go to match similar stores from Apple and Google. Although the 50,000 app level is impressive, ... statistics show that the number of applications being submitted by developers each day has actually declined from late last year. (Source: venturebeat.com ) Back in December 2012, shortly after the Windows 8 launch, the Windows Store received about 400 new applications each and every day. However, by February 2013 that number was closer to 150. Microsoft ... (view more)

Regarding our vote on February 15, 2012 -- I have read approximately 1,000 comments from readers, along with their ballots. I will provide insight with regard to the findings, as well as address some issues. This post is approximately 1,500 words. I ... realize some of you won't want to read all of it and just want the results. So, I would like to begin by saying this: According to the results of the vote, I am pleased to announce that Infopackets will remain online. Moving forward: all users will retain access to everything that they have now and well into the future. This includes free access ... (view more)

Quite often, I'm asked if it's a good idea to use more than one anti-virus / anti-spyware program at the same time. The answer to this question is both "yes" and "no." Yes: it's a good idea to scan your PC using more than one solution -- whether ... it's anti-virus or anti-spyware -- as it's possible to sniff out additional, missed threats. No: you shouldn't run more than one anti-virus or anti-spyware program at the exact same time as they would likely conflict. So, what's the difference between these two scenarios? Allow me to break it down: Real-Time Protection Real-time protection scans your ... (view more)

Microsoft has made headlines in recent weeks for devising new ideas to bolster a struggling global economy. While the software giant expects to lose significant revenue this year, Microsoft is looking at the bigger picture in an attempt to stop the ... bleeding and start on the road to recovery. One of the new Microsoft-endorsed initiatives is an online program called Elevate America , which hopes to teach, certify and secure employment for close to 2 million people. Now, Microsoft is once again giving hope to an ever-increasing unemployment demographic by making way for an additional 3,000 ... (view more)